London tower fire can be avoided in Australia if regulations are followed

The peak body representing Australia’s insulated building panel industry has assured residents of high-rise buildings that regulations and legislation covering the building industry in this country have safeguards that are unparalleled elsewhere in the world.

However, the Insulated Panel Council Australasia (IPCA) warned that there are too many non-compliant buildings in Australia.

IPCA says when regulations are followed, the risk of any high-rise fire in Australia being as catastrophic as the fatal fire at London’s Grenfell Tower is minimal.

“We don’t need new regulations or audits,” said IPCA chief executive officer Ron Lawson. “But we must ensure builders are buying the right materials and installing them properly, and we need to get rid of those in the industry who use non-compliant products.

“This can only be done by improving the approval process for buildings, which must involve industry groups, that often know which developments are failing to comply.

“My understanding is that the number of developments that are non-compliant is increasing, and building certifiers may be signing off on these because they are not aware.”

He said calls for an urgent audit into Australian high-rise buildings are a knee-jerk reaction.

“Investigations, while beneficial, need to be conducted by educated, informed and truly independent persons to be of any real value, not just those with vested interests or self-appointed armchair experts.”

Mr Lawson said the London fire was tragic and extended his and IPCA’s sympathies to the families and friends of the victims.

“Safety should be paramount in product development, which is why IPCA continually advocates for improvements to product standards.”

“We should learn from London and make the changes that will protect Australians.”